ST AUSTELL GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Across Clay-topped Moors and Rail Lines: A Guided Traverse of St Austell’s Clay Country
A 3.5-hour, five-and-a-half-mile guided walk on the Clay Trails above St Austell that pairs coastal panoramas with industrial archaeology and an optional Wheal Martyn café stop.
Across Clay-topped Moors and Rail Lines: A Guided Traverse of St Austell’s Clay Country.
Set above St Austell, the Clay Trails wind across moorland tops and wooded valleys, offering wide coastal views and sudden glimpses of the area’s industrial past. This guided 3.5-hour, 5.5-mile circuit moves on well-graded paths with little ascent, and includes an optional stop at the Wheal Martyn Clay Works café—an ideal single-afternoon immersion in Cornwall’s working landscape led by a friendly guide who encourages questions.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Moorland Tops and Coastal Panoramas
The Clay Trails sit high over St Austell, delivering superb views out to the coast as the route threads across open moor and along sheltered valley slopes.
Fascinating Industrial Relics
Along the route you’ll encounter tangible evidence of the area’s former industrial use—rusting works, tips and other relics that mark Cornwall’s clay-extraction past.
Friendly, Inquisitive Guiding with a Practical Stop
The walk is led in a relaxed, question-friendly style and includes an optional café stop at Wheal Martyn—adding a sociable pause to an otherwise active countryside walk.
What the day feels like
What the Walk Feels Like
After a short bus hop to join the Trail at Carluddon, the route crosses a patchwork of moorland tops and wooded valleys, drops to small stream crossings and skirts industrial remnants before the optional café stop at Wheal Martyn. The return follows scenic, disused railway tracks back toward St Austell—an easy-paced, visually varied 3.5-hour outing on mostly well-graded paths with little ascent.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this walk suits best — and the booking realities to consider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Clothing to suit the weather; footwear suitable for rough terrain; around 1 litre of water; a rucksack or carrier for your gear; camera or phone.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the guided walk?
The walk lasts approximately 3.5 hours.
How far will we walk?
The route covers about five and a half miles on the Clay Trails above St Austell.
Where is the meeting point?
The meeting point is the forecourt on the south side of St Austell Railway Station.
Is there a café stop and are refreshments included?
There is an optional café stop at Wheal Martyn; refreshments at the café are not included in the tour price.
What are the group size and booking policies?
The tour will run even if only one participant is booked and is limited to a maximum of eight participants.
Are there discounts available?
A 10% discount is available for guests arriving by public transport using code GOODJOURNEY with proof of travel; PARD CARD holders may use the PARDCARD code—discounts cannot be combined and cardholders must present their card at the tour.
Is parking available if I drive?
Public parking is available in the Station Car Park on the north side of the station, but it can be busy—allow plenty of time to park, especially midday.